Washington, DC — The Khartoum government and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Army (SPLM/A) agreed Monday in Nairobi, Kenya, to extend a Memorandum of Understanding on the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the cessation of hostilities scheduled to end December 31 2002, until March 31 of 2003.
"This will enable the Machakos peace process to begin again after a quick holiday break so it is very good news," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Walter H. Kansteiner in Washington. The talks have broken off because of pending Kenyan elections, Ramadan and Christmas.
In a separate agreement, also signed Monday, both sides have agreed to "general principles for sharing revenues and natural resources" and to "collegial decision-making within the presidency."
Khartoum has agreed that the southern Sudan will be "equitably represented" in the national legislature, civil service and cabinet in any future peace deal. Both parties agree to look for ways to design a Judicial system. "These are all very important parts of a larger power sharing agreement which will continue to be ironed out in the coming weeks and months," said Kansteiner.
The peace talks, facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in the Kenyan town of Machakos last July, had begun with some optimism and made progress quickly enough to surprise many.
In the first phase, the parties agreed to a "framework" for peace, with Khartoum agreeing not to impose Sharia on the largely non-Muslim South and accepting a referendum on secession for the South. This has become generally known as the Machakos Protocol.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The now-extended ceasefire was agreed in the second phase.
Hopes for further progress in the effort to end the east African nation's 19-year conflict were set back this weekend when the two sides failed to reach agreement on sharing power and wealth. The SPLM/A was said to be willing to sign a proposed deal which called for a government of national unity with a rotating presidency and vice-presidency, but the Khartoum government was not.
Other unresolved and contentious points include reaching agreement on how much autonomy for the South will be permitted, on a definition of "equitable" representation in government, on monitoring and enforcing a ceasefire and towards ending human rights abuses.
Reaching agreement on sharing oil wealth has been as difficult on sharing power. Khartoum has reportedly proposed 10 percent of oil revenue for the South. The SPLM/A reportedly has asked for 60 percent. The devastation caused by the long war require this, they argue.
Sudan's war has killed an estimated two million people since it began in 1983. "To fail to achieve a lasting peace in Sudan is not an option," says chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo.
